Downward Dog

Hips high, heels reaching for the floor, arms and back in one line; a stretch held for time.

Downward Dog, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

From a plank, hips lifted high into an inverted V.

Steps

  1. Press the chest toward the thighs, arms and back one line.
  2. Reach the heels toward the floor.
  3. Hold and breathe; pedal the knees if the hamstrings bite.

Common mistakes

Rounding the back to force heels down: the LINE matters more than the heels. Shoulders shrugging: press the floor away, neck long. Weight all in the wrists: send the hips BACK and up.

Breathing

Slow and even through the hold.